Chile Import & Export Toolkit

Chile is the world's largest copper and lithium exporter, with 30+ FTAs covering ~88% of trade. This hub covers LC cost in CLP/USD, MFN 6% duty (heavily reduced by FTAs), 19% IVA and Servicio Nacional de Aduanas (SNA) clearance.

Currency

CLP (Chilean Peso). Many contracts in USD.

IVA (VAT)

19% standard

Charged on CIF + duty. Creditable for VAT-registered businesses.

Duty regime

MFN rate is a flat 6% on almost all tariff lines, but 30+ FTAs (with USA, EU, China, Japan, Korea, CPTPP, Mercosur, Pacific Alliance) reduce most flows to 0%. Only ~5% of imports pay MFN.

Free calculators for Chile trade

LC Cost Calculator →

All-in bank charges on a Letter of Credit.

Usance LC Interest →

Deferred payment cost with correct ACT/360 or ACT/365 basis.

Import Duty & Tax →

Duty, VAT/GST and landed cost per HS code.

Landed Cost by HS & Country →

Interactive duty + VAT/GST + Incoterm split for this destination.

CIF ↔ FOB Converter →

Convert between CIF, FOB and landed cost.

HS Code Lookup →

Search harmonised classification codes.

CBM & Container →

Volume, weight and container utilisation.

Incoterms 2020 Visualiser →

Cost, risk and document split across all 11 rules.

Multi-Currency Invoice →

FX spread and cross-currency invoice value.

Major ports & gateways

· San Antonio
· Valparaiso
· Coronel
· San Vicente
· Iquique (free zone)
· Mejillones

Key trading partners· 7 linked toolkits

Top exports

· Copper (concentrates & refined) - world #1
· Lithium carbonate (world #2)
· Fresh fruit (cherries, grapes, blueberries)
· Fishmeal & salmon
· Wine
· Wood pulp
· Molybdenum

Top imports

· Crude & refined petroleum
· Vehicles & parts
· Machinery
· Electronics
· Natural gas
· Iron & steel

Trade finance in Chile

· CLP LC uncommon - USD dominant for international trade. USD LC uses ACT/360.
· Chilean banks (Banco de Chile, Santander Chile, BCI) offer competitive LC pricing. Global banks (Citi, HSBC, JP Morgan) very active in Santiago.

Customs & duty in Chile

· Chile uses the 8-digit Chilean tariff aligned to WCO HS.
· SICOMEX is the SNA electronic customs system.
· Preferential origin under 30+ FTAs is central - Certificate of Origin critical to avoid the 6% MFN.

Incoterms 2020 practice in Chile

· FOB San Antonio / Valparaiso for copper concentrates exports. CIF / CFR San Antonio for imports.

HS commodity guides for Chile

Classification, duty and worked landed-cost examples for the commodity families most active on Chile's trade lanes.

HS 85Electronics

HS Code for Electronics (Chapter 85) into Chile →

HS 84Industrial

HS Code for Industrial Machinery (Chapter 84) into Chile →

HS 72Metals

HS Code for Iron & Steel (Chapter 72) into Chile →

HS 2710Energy

HS Code for Petroleum Products (HS 2710) into Chile →

HS 74Metals

HS Code for Copper (Chapter 74 & 2603) into Chile →

HS 2709Energy

HS Code for Crude Oil (HS 2709) into Chile →

HS 61 & 62Consumer goods

HS Code for Textiles & Apparel (Chapters 61 and 62) into Chile →

HS 31Agricultural

HS Code for Fertilizers (Chapter 31) into Chile →

Chile's key trading partners

China toolkit →

Import VAT · 13% standard, 9% reduced, 6% services

United States toolkit →

No federal VAT / GST · 0% federal

Germany toolkit →

VAT (Umsatzsteuer / Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) · 19% standard, 7% reduced

Japan toolkit →

Consumption Tax (JCT) · 10% standard / 8% reduced (food, newspapers)

South Korea toolkit →

VAT · 10%

Brazil toolkit →

ICMS (state) + PIS/COFINS (federal) · ICMS 17-19% (varies by state); PIS 2.1%; COFINS 9.65%

Frequently asked questions

Is Chile really a low-tariff country?

Yes. MFN is 6% flat, but 30+ FTAs cover ~88% of imports at 0%. Only marginal flows from countries without a Chile FTA pay MFN - most is effectively duty-free with the right Certificate of Origin.